Since 1915 the American Lung Association has worked to provide research, education, advocacy and funding to for those affected by lung diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. Today, one in seven Americans die of lung disease every year and an average of 7,000 Illinoisans lose their battle to lung cancer each year.

“Thirty-four million Americans are living with a chronic lung disease,” said, Kristen Young, Executive Director of the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago. “That could be anything from asthma to lung cancer to COPD.”

Young said the American Lung Association has funded research on lung disease since 1915 and, with the statistics on lung disease as high as they are, research is more important that ever before.

The American Lung Association has focused their research efforts on lung cancer in recent years. The organization funded $3 million worth of research in 2015. Young said the American Lung Association is on pace to fund over $5 million worth of research in 2016.

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, with as many as 1.8 million cases diagnosed worldwide in 2012. It is the leading cancer killer in both American men and women and is expected to account for 27 percent of all cancer deaths in 2015.

“The lung association saves lives by improving lung health, preventing lung disease and specifically through research, education, and advocacy all right here in Illinois,” said Young.

The association’s impact touches on education, research, advocacy and fundraising efforts. They provide online and in-person classes to educate people on different lung diseases and create more awareness about lung health. Courses including Asthma Basics, Breathe Well, Live Well, Open Airways for Schools, Better Breathers Club and Freedom from Smoking are offered either in person or online. More information on how these courses are delivered can be found at www.lung.org.

Young said the organization is partnering with other health organizations to build awareness about the benefits of smoke-free housing and adopt smoke-free housing policies.

“Specifically in the Chicagoland area, there’s a lot to be done. The benefits of going smoke-free as a building — meaning residents are not allowed to smoke on the premises or even in their apartment — far outweigh giving those rights to people,” said Young.

The American Lung Association’s advocacy efforts are reflected in new city and state laws. Most recently, the city of Chicago changed the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21.

“This is a stepping stone and we’re hoping other cities and states will follow the lead and make this a priority,” said Young.

The American Lung Association was also instrumental in getting the Smoke-Free Campus Act signed into law in 2015 in Illinois. The law prohibits smoking on the grounds and buildings of any state-supported college or university, making these institutions tobacco free.

“Now that the law has been passed, we’re really looking to educate those around the universities to understand the benefits of it and how to adopt it for their specific college,” said Young.

The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago hosts four major fundraising events each year. They hold A LUNG FORCE run/walk every September in Oak Brook (www.LUNGFORCE.org.Walk). The event draws about 1,000 walkers and its main focus is about spreading awareness about the prevalence of lung cancer in women.

“It’s really a platform for us to increase awareness, research funding, and community engagement in the fight against lung cancer,” said Young. “The walk is that celebration day for families, patients, and colleagues to come out and really show their support on behalf of those living with lung cancer and all forms of lung disease.”

Young said the organization hosts two Fight For Air Climbs every year as well. The first climb of 2017 takes

place at Oakbrook Terrace Tower in Oakbrook Terrace on Feb. 12, 2017 (www.FightForAirClimb.org). Young said it costs $15 to register and has a minimum fundraising requirement of $100 to climb the 31 floors of the building.

The Fight For Air Climb at the Presidential Towers in Chicago, presented by United Healthcare, takes place on March 5, 2017. The event typically draws 2,000 who participate as individuals, on corporate teams, or on relay teams to climb one, two, three, or all four of the towers to bring awareness to lung disease.

June 9-11, 2017, is the 32nd annual Fight for Air Ride cycling event (www.FightForAirRide.org). Participants bike approximately 50 miles a day from Crystal Lake to Lake Geneva. With the fundraising, your stay at the Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wisconsin, and meals are included. Riders bike up to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, on Friday or Saturday and return to Crystal Lake on Sunday.

“It’s a great weekend getaway,” said Young. “It’s certainly not for the elite riders only; it’s very much a friends and family type of ride.”

Young said the organization is looking for more day-of-event volunteers for all of their fundraising events. Those looking for a larger commitment can ask about being placed on one of the volunteer committees that help plan and grow the events. For more information, individuals can email eventschi@lung.org or call (312) 781-1100.

Young said the American Lung Association is proud of their four-star rating with Charity Navigator and that ninety cents of every dollar raised goes back to their mission and programming.

“It goes toward programs like helping people quit smoking, helping people with lung cancer cope with the disease, teaching people with lung disease how to live healthy lives and generally improving the health of those living with lung disease and their families and caretakers.”

November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The American Lung Association hopes to increase awareness and education about this disease during this time.